Drifters Game lodge

+ stunning riverside location+ large private reserve+ important conservation project+ full range of wildlife+ open to the Kruger National Park+ high quality lodge+ low visitor traffic+ off road driving+ walking safari

Drifters is a range of medium specification camps across South Africa which tend to be sold as a self-drive package, although we are able to include each individual lodge in more broader tailor-made trips. Situated to the east of the reserve, the lodge actually feels surprisingly remote. It has pleasant modern public areas with views out across a seasonal river and leading out to a decent pool area. Guest accommodation is in eight rooms, which are shown as being tented in this slideshow, but which are presently being upgraded to modern chalets.

Activities are centred around vehicle and walking safari. There are no fences between here and the main reserve, ensuring that Balule is part of the main Kruger ecosystem.

- partially fenced reserve- proximity to human habitation- private residences on the reserve- only accessible from the main R40 road- reclaimed farmland- not particularly wild - rather tame and over-managed- lacks game density

The main downside is that the Balule Reserve as a whole does not really feel like pristine wilderness, it being the aggregation of many smaller private plots.

Drifters Game Lodge is a pretty decent option and a rarity in this very low price range.